Oatmeal is obtained from oat grains - one of the main and unpretentious cereal crops. Oatmeal is a food product on a par with wheat, barley and other cereals. Let's look at what oatmeal looks like, how to identify it by its appearance, what kind of cereal is obtained from oats, its types, the benefits and harms of oatmeal, and use for various diseases. Let's consider whether there are contraindications for eating cereals.
What is oatmeal and its appearance
Oatmeal is made from whole oat grains.They are treated with steam, the husks are removed and then polished. Whole grain cereal is gray-yellow in color, available in 2 grades: premium and first. From whole grains, flattened grains are obtained, which also come in premium and first grade.
Oats are included in the healthy diet menu of adults and children; first of all, they are included in the diet of those suffering from gastrointestinal diseases. Porridges, soups, jelly and casseroles are prepared from it. The cooking time for cereals is 0.5 hours for crushed grains and 1-1.5 hours for whole grains. Oatmeal dishes turn out dense and slimy; during cooking, the volume of the cereal increases 3-4 times. Rolled oatmeal can be brewed simply with boiling water and left to steep.
What grains are obtained from oats?
Oat grain is sold as a food product in various forms: whole, crushed and rolled (oat flakes).
Uncrushed
This cereal is made from whole grains, which are cleaned and polished to make them suitable for consumption. In this form, oats retain a maximum of nutrients and microorganisms. Uncrushed cereal is recommended for use in sports and dietary nutrition. It should not be given to children under 3 years of age due to its rough structure.
Crushed
These are grains crushed into several pieces. The taste of crushed cereal is no different from whole grain, but it cooks faster. Contains less fiber and nutrients that are lost during grinding.
Cereals "Hercules"
Flattened whole grain, the main advantage of which is that it cooks quickly. The brewed grain turns out soft, but this processing method also has disadvantages - of all types of oatmeal, oatmeal flakes are the least valuable in nutritional terms, since they contain few substances and microelements.
The benefits and harms of cereals
When used correctly, oatmeal is beneficial. Antioxidants increase the body's resistance and help it resist stress and adverse environmental influences. The microelements contained in the grains of the crop - phosphorus, iron and calcium - are necessary for the formation of bones and for the prevention of anemia.
100 g of oats contains 10 g of protein, 6.2 g of fat, 55.1 g of carbohydrates and 12 g of dietary fiber. Vitamins and microelements: B1, B2, B4, B5, B6, B9, E, H, PP, potassium, calcium, silicon, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, chlorine, iron, iodine, cobalt, manganese, copper, molybdenum, selenium, fluorine, chromium, zinc. As you can see, oats are one of the most nutritious grains and, at the same time, rich in vitamins.
For weight loss
The calorie content of oatmeal is 316 kcal per 100 g of product. Due to its relatively low calorie content, porridge can be consumed by those who are afraid of gaining weight, as well as by those who want to lose it.
To normalize metabolism, it is recommended to eat oatmeal for breakfast. It lowers cholesterol levels and makes intestinal function stable. The decoction is recommended for use in cases of physical and nervous exhaustion, and poor appetite.
For the intestines
It is known that oatmeal cleanses the gastrointestinal tract; in liquid form it is prescribed for intestinal problems. Eating porridge improves the appearance of the skin, which becomes better, acquires a pleasant color, and inflammation disappears.
Oatmeal can be eaten to relieve bloating and abdominal pain; mucus prevents the development of inflammation. Used to remove toxins from the intestines. Oatmeal can be a good preventive remedy for tumors of the digestive system. Cereals activate the gastrointestinal tract and prevent the appearance of gastritis and ulcers.
For the liver
Cereals remove toxic substances from the body, cleanse the liver, thereby improving overall well-being, skin condition, and increasing performance. It is best to cleanse the liver with oatmeal broth, which is easy to prepare: 1 tbsp. pour 2 liters of boiling water over the cereals, boil in it for 5-7 minutes, and then simmer for 2 hours. Then leave for half a day. Drink a glass of infusion 2 times a day.
For cholesterol
If the level of this substance is elevated, doctors advise consuming oatmeal more often. It is also recommended for atherosclerosis. Oatmeal, if consumed regularly, lowers cholesterol levels by 10-15%. To treat atherosclerosis, you need to cook porridge with water, not milk. To enhance the taste, you can add fruits, nuts, berries, and raisins to the dish.
From pressure
If you eat porridge constantly, you can reduce your blood pressure and maintain it at a normal level. It is advisable for chronic hypertensive patients to have oatmeal for breakfast.
For acne
You can also cure rashes and solve skin problems with the help of this cereal. It not only cleanses the body from the inside, but also helps tidy up the skin on the outside. Homemade cosmetic masks are prepared from it, which can be used on the face to get rid of acne. The mask has a bactericidal and inflammation-reducing effect, delivers nutrition and moisture to the skin.
How to prepare an anti-acne mask: 2 tbsp. l. cereal, 1 tbsp. l.Mix natural apple cider vinegar and sour cream. Apply the fresh mixture to your face and leave for 20 minutes. The product removes shine from the skin, tones it, and cleanses pores.
Second version of the mask: 2 tbsp. l. mix with warm water and leave to swell for half an hour. Pour 1 ampoule of pharmaceutical vitamins C and A into the mixture. Apply to the skin for half an hour and rinse with water. A mask made from 1 part flakes and 2 parts kefir will help cleanse and whiten the skin. Apply the finished product for 15 minutes. and rinse with warm water.
For edema
The accumulation of excess moisture in the body causes swelling, which can be dealt with using a decoction of 1 tbsp. l. oats in 4 glasses of water. Boil the liquid with the flakes for 10 minutes. Add 1 spoon of honey to the infusion. Drink the resulting product in small portions throughout the day.
For women
Oatmeal contains many substances with antioxidant properties; consuming the product reduces the likelihood of breast tumors. Phytoestrogens normalize hormone levels, thereby preventing the development of gynecological diseases.
Are there any contraindications
It is not recommended to eat oatmeal for those who have a calcium deficiency. Phytic acid contained in grains further enhances this condition, impairing the absorption of the element in the intestines and leading to the development of osteoporosis associated with a lack of calcium in bone tissue.
Those who suffer from intolerance to substances contained in cereals should not eat oatmeal. They can cause allergies, as can excessive consumption of the product. In this case, it is best to alternate oats with wheat, buckwheat, pearl barley and other cereals.
Even healthy people who have no contraindications should not get too carried away with finely ground oatmeal and especially flakes. They have a high glycemic index and are low in nutrients and fiber compared to whole grains. Starch from such grains is quickly converted into easily digestible carbohydrates, and sugar levels increase.
Oatmeal is undoubtedly a healthy, tasty and valuable product. It is recommended to eat it in the form of porridges, soups, infusions, and jelly no more than 3 times a week. It is easy to prepare, it is delicious on its own and with the addition of other products that diversify the taste of the dish.
